Potter working to restore downtown buildings

POTTER, NE — Residents of a small village in the Panhandle want to bring a historic vibe back to their town. 

Potter is working to restore multiple buildings in town to resemble how they looked in the 1920s and 30s. Vice chair of Potter's Building Committee Drew Enevoldsen says they have photos that show what the town looked like as far back as 1910.

"What we'd like to see is to bring that historic look back," Enevoldsen said. "Restore that western feel."

The two biggest projects the town is working on right now are the public restroom facility and historic theater. The interior of the restrooms have been remodeled already, but that's not the only work that's been accomplished so far. 

According to Enevoldsen, the exteriors of the duckpin bowling alley and the bank on the northwest corner of Chester and Sherman streets have all been restored and tuck-pointed. The Potter Public Library has also been tuck-pointed. The interiors of the bowling alley and downtown flea market have been redone. 

Enevoldsen says "countless" volunteer hours have gone into work that's already been done. 

Another big project on the docket is the exterior of the Potter Sundry. Enevoldsen says the town wants to take off the tin wrap and restore the exterior. Old photos show the Sundry building also used to have a balcony. Enevoldsen says he'd like to see that brought back as well. 

"Could you imagine being able to sit up on the balcony and watch the parades," Enevoldsen said.

Enevoldsen says the town wants to put a great first-impression on visitors and tourists with the remodels. 

"You want that wow factor like with any town," he said. "Look at how beautiful downtown Sidney is with all those buildings that are coming back. Kimball's got buildings that are being restored. It's all about the customer and keeping small town America alive."

The biggest hurdle to the project's success is funding. Enevoldsen says the Village of Potter has worked to take ownership of the buildings they are working on to be eligible for more grants. Some buildings, like the Sundry, are owned by the Potter Historical Foundation, which is a non-profit that can take donations. 

If the funds are raised, and all projects accomplished, Enevoldsen says coming to Potter will feel like driving into a time capsule.

"You just get to escape the everyday fast-paced busy life," Enevoldsen said. "When you drive into Potter and you're sitting there, looking around and thinking I'm in a different time period, you get to get out with your family and walk around and just experience life like it used to be."